T4G challenges New Brunswick's tech community to plug into the final 'Stride for Success' charity race

Third year relay race approaches $60,000 goal to complete outdoor trail for Portage Atlantic in helping youth overcome addictions

SAINT JOHN, NB, June 26, 2012 /CNW/ - With firefighters, police and even bankers participating, T4G Limited is challenging its Information Communications Technology brethren to join the starting line Sunday July 15.

"New Brunswick has a vibrant tech community and so far we're the only geeks competing again this year," says David Baxter, VP Innovation and captain of T4G's relay team. "There's no shame in losing to firefighters or police when the winners are our youth getting help at Portage. Come on, techies, join us."

As part of the Celebration of Greenspace weekend in Saint John, the "Stride for Success" relay race begins at 8 a.m. Sunday July 15 at the Lily Lake Pavilion. Teams can register at www.celebrationofgreenspace.com or on facebook/strideforsucces. Each team needs six members; each running or walking four kilometres to make up the race.

Money raised goes towards the completion of walking and biking trails at Portage Atlantic's Cassidy Lake treatment facility for young people overcoming substance abuse.

T4G, through its charitable wing called Future Focus Foundation, is spearheading the Stride for Success race organization on behalf of Portage Atlantic.

Baxter says since last year the Sleeping Shelter is under construction on the scenic Portage Recovery Trail that can be used for group sessions in battling the freedom from addiction. "But we're still $18,000 short of our goal and this is the final year for the relay so we're really making a push to cross the finish line successfully in meeting our goal," he says.

Last year, two generous corporate donors stepped to the plate with $22,000 in cash and recreation equipment from retailer Sport Chek's Forzani Group and $7,500 from the United Commercial Traveller's (UCT) Saint John.

Portage's Atlantic Recovery Trail Project is expanding the 3.8 kilometre path at the organization's Cassidy Lake facility to include wheelchair accessibility and provide a safe and picturesque route for walking, running, biking, snowshoeing and meditation.

"The Recovery Trail project strengthens minds and bodies of our recovering youth while improving the accessibility to the natural beauty of the centre's lakeside property," says Dr. Russell H.T. King, Chairman, Portage Atlantic. "Thank you to all Stride for Success participants for this important fundraising endeavour."

Portage is an internationally recognized charitable organization dedicated to addressing the serious problem of substance abuse. Portage has an exceptional track record in its treatment centres in New Brunswick (Cassidy Lake), Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia.

Media inquiries:

Cathy Simpson
Vice-President, Marketing
T4G Limited
[email protected]
[phone]